23/07/2026
We are proud to Share that as EuroHugs, we partecipated in the online course “Introduction to Media Literacy and Critical Thinking” in May and June 2026. within the framework of the MediActive Youth Network (MAYnet), hosted by the Center for Social and Economic Development (CDER), together with partner organisations,
The course was delivered in English as a comprehensive Moodle-based online programme, led by CDER experts Aleksandar Pavlović, PhD and Romina Begaj, MA.
It brought together 20 representatives of partner organisations from across Europe, strengthening the Network’s collective expertise in media literacy and critical thinking.
The programme consisted of 10 structured lessons:
• Introduction to News Literacy
• Media and Communication
• What is Media Literacy?
• Critically Reading Media Messages
• Basic Principles of Journalism
• Top 10 Rules of Journalism
• Basic Rules of Writing
• What is Style?
• Top 10 Basic Principles of Composition
• Top 10 Elementary Rules of Usage
Each topic included short theoretical inputs, presentations, quizzes, and additional reading materials, ensuring an interactive and practice-oriented learning experience.
The course introduced participants to key concepts necessary for understanding, interpreting, and producing media content, including media influence, post-truth society, fake news, algorithms, filter bubbles, and echo chambers. Special attention was given to distinguishing between traditional and social media, as well as to ethical and professional standards in journalism.
Participants also developed critical reading skills, learned to identify bias and misinformation, and explored the growing role of AI-generated content in today’s media environment.
A central objective of the course was to empower young activists and youth workers to become critical consumers and responsible creators of media content. Through practical assignments, participants were encouraged to identify youth-related policy issues and produce articles of 1,000–1,500 words, with mentoring support from CDER experts. These articles will be published in the Transnational Youth Magazine, contributing to wider public discourse on youth issues across Europe.
The course gathered representatives from partner organisations across 13 European countries, including: Bulgarian Youth Forum, Eesti People to People, BRAVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), CDER and the Journalism Department of the Faculty of Sport (Serbia), Beyond Barriers Association (Albania), Mitra (France), Apkabink Europe (Lithuania), Hellenic Youth Participation (Greece), Grow United (Germany), PRIMA (Montenegro), CID (North Macedonia) and HERMES (Croatia).
By engaging these organisations in a shared learning process, the course significantly strengthened the media literacy capacities of individual member organisations, and consequently contributed to the overall capacity and cohesion of the MEDIActive Youth Network.
The successful implementation of the course marks an important step in advancing MAYnet’s mission to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and youth empowerment across Europe. It was delivered through a combination of Moodle-based online learning and live Zoom sessions, ensuring accessibility, interaction, and high-quality engagement.
It further confirms the Network’s commitment to building a knowledgeable, critical, and active generation of young media actors capable of responding to the challenges of today’s complex information environment.
